Senior Fall Prevention and Screening

Program Link to Community Needs Assessment

Falls, particularly among seniors, were identified in the 2010 Community Needs Assessment, The Health of Alameda County Cities and Places as a significant issue in our community. In 2005, 2,512 seniors sustained non-fatal falls. Alta Bates Summit initiated a community class on site, but unfortunately there was little participation, as patients could not come to the medical center. In 2009, the Fall Prevention and Screening program was developed.

Program Description

Goals and Objectives

The Fall Prevention and Screening Project offers outreach to individuals in our community who may otherwise not be able to easily access care by providing education, screening and appropriate intervention for those at risk of falling. 2011 Objectives included:

Strategy

Exercise and functional activities designed to improve balance and decrease risk of falls were performed at site visits. Participants received a Fall Risk Score on the Biodex Balance System. Additionally, the following outreach was conducted: in-service to inpatient rehab staff at Summit, a meeting with the Summit ED manager, letters mailed to 45 senior and living facilities, and free fall risk screening to the Health Access community.

Baseline Information

In 2005, 2512 seniors sustained non-fatal falls. The average cost of hospitalization due to a fall in Alameda County is $37,000. While Alta Bates Summit provided fall prevention education and screening there was clearly a need go out into the community to provide that education.